HITROLE Light Remote Weapon Station

The HITROLE® Light Remote Weapon Station (RWS) represents a new generation of lightweight, versatile, and combat-proven weapon systems designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. Developed to provide superior firepower while maintaining compact dimensions and low weight, HITROLE® Light is NATO-qualified and already in service across multiple platforms. Its adaptability allows armed forces to deploy it in a wide range of missions, from urban patrols to border security and asymmetric warfare, making it one of the most flexible solutions available today.

Photo Credit: Leonardo

Multi-Caliber Capability for Diverse Combat Roles

One of the defining features of HITROLE® Light is its ability to integrate different calibers of weaponry. The system can be fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. This flexibility ensures that operators can tailor the system to specific mission requirements. For example, the 7.62 mm configuration is ideal for sustained suppressive fire in urban environments, while the 12.7 mm heavy machine gun provides superior penetration against armored threats. Meanwhile, the 40 mm automatic grenade launcher delivers devastating area-effect firepower, making it highly effective in counter-insurgency and asymmetric operations.

Compact Design and Easy Vehicle Integration

Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, HITROLE® Light can be installed on a wide range of vehicles without intrusive modifications. It is compatible with utility vehicles, multirole tactical vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and even main battle tanks as a secondary armament. This adaptability ensures that military forces can enhance the firepower of existing platforms quickly and efficiently, without compromising mobility or protection. With a dry weight ranging from approximately 140 kg to 170 kg depending on the weapon configuration, the system remains one of the lightest in its class.

Advanced Fire Control System for Day and Night Operations

The HITROLE® Light Fire Control System (FCS) is designed to maximize accuracy and situational awareness. It includes a modular sighting suite composed of a day TV camera with continuous zoom, an uncooled infrared camera for night vision, and an eye-safe laser range finder. These sensors allow operators to detect, identify, and engage targets under all weather and lighting conditions. The gun and electro-optic systems can move independently, enabling surveillance without presenting a threatening posture—an essential capability in urban warfare scenarios. The open architecture of the FCS also provides growth potential, allowing future upgrades to integrate new technologies.

Operator Safety and Ergonomic Control

Safety and ease of operation are central to the HITROLE® Light design. The system is operated from inside the vehicle through a multifunction display and joystick, ensuring that the gunner remains protected at all times. Electrical re-cocking further enhances safety by eliminating the need for manual intervention. A fire control computer assists the operator with ballistic and cinematic calculations, improving accuracy and reducing reaction time. In emergency situations, the system can also be manually operated, ensuring reliability under all conditions.

Technical Specifications and Combat Readiness

• Armament Options:

  • 12.7 mm Browning M2HB QCB heavy machine gun
  • 7.62 mm MG-3 or MG 42/59 machine gun
  • 40 mm MK19 automatic grenade launcher

• Ammunition Capacity:

  • Over 700 rounds of 7.62 mm
  • Over 250 rounds of 12.7 mm
  • Over 60 rounds of 40 mm grenades

• Servo Systems:

  • Training arc: 360°
  • Elevation arc: -20° to +70°

These specifications highlight the system’s ability to deliver sustained firepower while maintaining full coverage across a wide arc of engagement.